The Life and Legacy…

The Life and Legacy…

Photo credit: Matthew D’Agostino

Midshipmen have described the historic Commodore Stephen Decatur as being “the first one on the ship, and the last one off it,” and that is precisely how guests honored him at the White House Historical Association’s (WHHA) Fourth Annual Decatur Luncheon Lecture.  On Monday, January 7, guests arrived at the WHHA’s Carriage House, which is located a few short steps away from Decatur’s former home, built in 1818, which served as the first private residence in the White House neighborhood.

 

Like Decatur, guests arrived early and stayed after the event for intellectually stimulating conversations with historians, members of the U.S. military, and respected panelists. The Honorable John H. Dalton, the 70th Secretary of the Navy, welcomed panelists: Vice Adm. Walter E. Carter, United States Navy Vice Admiral and Naval Flight Officer; Zach Abey, wide receiver for the United States Naval Academy football team; Adm. John C. Harvey, Jr. former Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; and Ann Compton, former ABC White House correspondent and former president of the White House Correspondents Association who moderated the conversation.

Adm. John C. Harvey, Jr.former Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; Zach Abey, wide receiver for the United States Naval Academy football team; Vice Adm. Walter E. Carter, United States Navy Vice Admiral and Naval Flight Officer; Ann Compton, former ABC White House correspondent and former president of the White House Correspondents Association

Before panelists spoke in front of a large audience, Dr. Matthew Costello, senior historian at the White House Historical Association, welcomed guests and detailed the importance of the White House Historical Association’s mission of preserving the history of our nation’s leaders. Costello reflected on the legacy of Stephen Decatur, and described why it still remains important today. In his words, so that the American public strives to “serve their country and others selflessly.”

Matthew Costello, senior historian at WHHA

Panelists discussed how quickly our country grew in its early years, as did the Navy’s importance and power. Amidst this growth, Stephen Decatur’s influence stood out. In the panelists’ words “he never backed down,” and pointing out Decatur’s commitment to our country and the American people.

Panelists added that Decatur was a risk taker and lived life fearlessly, which set an inspiring example for centuries after. The panelists talked about how Decatur’s historic leadership is still admired by the U.S. Navy today, and is an example that the U.S. Naval Academy instills for young midshipmen.

“Decatur was bold. He was daring. He was decisive. And he was victorious…I have personally witnessed young lieutenants making courageous decisions. That type of instinctual daring still exists,” said U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Walter E. Carter as he described midshipmen currently at the U.S. Naval Academy. Carter said he is incredibly optimistic of the “fighting ethos” he sees in young Naval lieutenants today, originally demonstrated by Stephen Decatur.

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